There was serious competition at the top. But Jamal Peters is the top football recruit in Mississippi right now.

C-L recruiting writer John Talty reveals the first full Targeted 22 for the Class of 2015. (Video by Courtney Cronin/The Clarion-Ledger).

The Bassfield safety checked in at No. 1 in the first Clarion-Ledger Targeted 22 for the class of 2015. Peters held off Brookhaven linebacker Leo Lewis, who has exploded on the recruiting scene in the last few months. Petal offensive lineman Javon Patterson, Murrah star Malik Dear and Brandon defensive lineman Fletcher Adams rounded out the top five.

One interesting note about the initial Targeted 22: Mississippi State had six commits make the list, while Ole Miss had one.

The Clarion-Ledger will update the Targeted 22 monthly, providing readers with an up-to-date look at the top football players in Mississippi. This list will likely change a lot between now and Signing Day 2015. But for right now, these are the top 22 football recruits in the Magnolia State.

1. Jamal Peters, safety, Bassfield

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound safety sits atop the rankings after a stellar junior season. Peters will have his choice of Southeastern Conference schools, but Mississippi State and LSU are the teams to beat.

2. Leo Lewis, linebacker, Brookhaven

Some recruiting services consider Lewis to be the nation's top inside linebacker. Look for it to be a three-team race between Alabama, Mississippi State and Ole Miss for the talented prospect.

3. Javon Patterson, offensive lineman, Petal

Patterson is the top offensive lineman in the state this year. Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Auburn are all heavily involved with the 6-4, 290-pounder.

4. Malik Dear, athlete, Murrah

At this point, plenty of people know about Dear. There is less consensus about what position he'll play in college, though slot receiver could be the best bet.

5. Fletcher Adams, defensive lineman, Brandon

Some expect Adams to end up at Mississippi State with his older brother, Nelson, but schools like Ole Miss, Georgia and Alabama should be in the running for the talented defensive lineman.

6. Dontea Jones, wide receiver, Louisville

Jones, who is committed to Mississippi State, is the best of a talented crop of receivers in the class of 2015.

7. Jay Johnson, wide receiver, Bruce

There is some debate about where Johnson will play — receiver, linebacker and defensive end are all options —but there is no question that he's got talent.

8. Timothy Washington, athlete, Yazoo City

Washington plays defensive end in high school but will likely play linebacker in college. The Mississippi State commit is rangy, quick and plays with instincts.

9. Willie Hibbler, athlete, North Panola

Hibbler plays a little bit of everything at North Panola, including quarterback, but the Ole Miss commit is expected to play tight end in college. He doesn't have elite speed, but has a good frame to work with and good hands.

10. Keith Joseph Jr., defensive end, Pascagoula

Louisville, Mississippi State and Southern Miss have all made a major push for the 6-3, 220-pound weak-side defensive end. The Bulldogs could be the team to beat, though, because Joseph's father played at MSU.

11. Cameron Myers, wide receiver, Oak Grove

The Mississippi State commit was one of the best receivers in a high-powered Oak Grove attack last season, but he could also play safety in college.

12. Gabe Campbell, athlete, Yazoo City

Washington was the Yazoo City standout everyone knew about, but Campbell has impressed colleges with his skills. The 6-6, 250-pound defensive end has scholarship offers from Alabama, Ole Miss and Mississippi State.

13. Mark McLaurin, athlete, Collins

McLaurin plays some quarterback in high school, but his future is at safety. He's an SEC-caliber player.

14. Keenan Barnes, wide receiver, Madison Central

The 6-4, 185-pound receiver already has offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Louisiana Tech. The Rebels are considered the team to beat.

15. Ryan Gibson, offensive lineman, St. Stanislaus

Gibson has picked up scholarship offers from all across the country, including Virginia, Wake Forest and Air Force. He's a smart kid who could make an early impact as a guard somewhere.

16. Armani Linton, athlete, Walnut

Linton committed to Mississippi State during a junior day visit, but Ole Miss hasn't backed off. The 6-3, 195-pound athlete will play either safety or wide receiver in college.

17. Jarvis Wilson, athlete, Tupelo

Wilson hasn't picked up the offers yet, but he's talented and could be an impact safety or cornerback at the next level.

18. Anfernee Sullivan, wide receiver, Taylorsville

The 6-3, 187-pound receiver doesn't have the offers yet, but it's only a matter of time.

19. Gardner Minshew, quarterback, Brandon

Minshew has had a terrific last month, though the scholarship offers still haven't rolled in. He's the most complete quarterback in Mississippi this year.

20. Jonnas Spivey, athlete, Bay Springs

Spivey plays quarterback now but will likely play either wide receiver or defensive back in college.

21. Chris Stamps, cornerback, Warren Central

The Mississippi State commit, who stands at 6-1, 170-pounds, is one of the state's top defensive backs.

22. Jordan Wright, running back, Pearl

There are quite a few talented running backs in-state this year, but Wright looks to be the best of the bunch. He has scholarship offers from Southern Miss and Memphis, plus interest from Ole Miss.

To contact John Talty, call (601) 961-7284 or follow @JTalty on Twitter.

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John Talty (@JTalty) details the entire Targeted 22 and where the in-state schools sit with some of Mississippi's top high school football prospects. • clarionledger.com